Quebec City
July 2 - 6, 2015 (5D4N) & June 20 - 23, 2025 (4D3N): A historic gem blending Old‑World charm with modern vibrancy. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, expect centuries‑old architecture, cobblestone streets, and riverside vistas, nestled within fortified ramparts. Just a scenic 3-3.5 hour drive from Montréal, I have curated a 3-day itinerary to showcase the perfect picturesque complement to your Québec adventure. Alternatively, it is an easy flight to QC. QC is a mini version of Paris, except it is cheaper with friendlier locals.
*Highly Recommended Food & Accommodation
Day 1
Drive to Quebec City/Levi from Montréal
Levi:
Dine @ L'Intimiste*
Ferry to Quebec City (12-minute ride; CAD 4.15/person; EV discount offered)
Check in @ Airbnb* or Hotel Du Vieux Quebec* (see tips below on parking)
Old Quebec/Upper Town:
Morrin Centre (Historic jail‑turned‑library; CAD18.50 1-hour Discovery Tour @ 10am, 1pm, 3pm)
Stroll Rue de Trésor / Place‑d’Armes
Cocktails @ 1608* (inside Chateau Frontenac)
Day 2
La Citadelle de Quebec (changing‑of‑guard in summer at 10 am)
Saint John District:
Brunch @ Le Billig* (crepe)
Érico (a chocolate shop beloved by locals & a museum)
Coffee @ Cantook Micro Torrefaction*
Hotel du Parlement (9:30-4:30pm; free tour)
1:30-3:30 pm: Free Walking Tour of Old Quebec:
Pôle culturel du Monastère des Ursulines (outside pic only)
Beautiful view of Chateau Frontenac from Terrasse Dufferin
Basilique-cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral
Lower Town (ride the Funiculaire or walk down):
Exhibition @ EXMURO
Walked to Old Port:
Rue Sault-au-Matelot and Rue Saint-Pierre
Antique shopping @ Les Antiquités Bolduc
Café Apotek (Try its sweet brioche buns, stuffed with lime-and-blueberry mascarpone cream)
Dinner & cocktails @ jjacques*
Day 3
Breakfast @ Paillard*
Drive to Montmorency Falls Park (~15 mins drive):
Hike to the Suspension Bridge (~45 mins)
Poutine @ Friterie de I’lle
Veger Laval Gagnon* (best price on the island)
Saint-Roch District:
Dinner @ Hono Izakaya* (or Hono Ramen if you couldn't get a table next door)
Cocktails @ Vieux Carre
Other points of interest & food:
Lunch @ Gao comptoir vietnamien, Au 1884, Oishi
Dinner @ lueur, L’Affaire Est Ketchup, Restaurant Battuto, Buvette Scott, LE CONTINENTAL
Cocktails @ Clubby Bar, Justine
Hotel de Glace (10 am-8 pm; only opens in the winter)
Tips:
Stay in Old Québec for walkability and park your car @ Stationnement SPAQ - Hôtel de Ville (CAD20/day) if your hotel does not offer parking.
Pack good shoes as there are hills, cobblestones, and stairs everywhere.
Learn a few French phrases would go a long way.
Book dinner reservations in advance, especially in the summer.
Bring layers - even summer evenings can be cool by the river.
The ferry to/from Levi is one of the best ways to catch the sunset.
